House may move to expel rest-stop molester

Minnesota Democrat engaged in sexual activity with 17-year-old boy at road-side area

Published: 08/24/2012 at 10:48 PM

(Minnesota Public Radio) There are serious discussions underway among Republican legislators to take up a motion to expel Rep. Kerry Gauthier, DFL-Duluth during today’s special session.

GOP House Majority Leader Matt Dean said removing Gauthier is “a possibility” when asked about discussions to expel the first-term member. Dean said any member can make a motion when the Legislature convenes for the Special Session at 2 p.m.

The House would need 90 votes to take up the resolution, meaning a block of DFLers would have to agree that Gauthier’s conduct was severe enough that he needs to be removed from office. It would also take 90 votes to expel Gauthier from office. The Minnesota Constitution gives the Legislature the power to govern the behavior of its members and punish them for “disorderly behavior.”